Tips to Find the Right Sports Bra

Click any of the pictures below to check out videos about finding the right fit for you.

SUPPORT IS IMPORTANT

Finding the right sports bra is important to your physical health and comfort! Working out in the wrong sports bra can cause discomfort and permanent damage. Check out the breast motion chart to see the difference in movement between supported and unsupported breasts - ouch!

To protect your breasts from unnecessary movement, use the following guide to find the right support level for your workout!

FIT MATTERS

1. FINDING YOUR BAND SIZE

Add 5 to that measurement and round up to the next even number. This measurement is your band size.

2. BAND MEASUREMENT ACCURACY

To double-check your band size, measure around your torso below your armpits. If this measurement is close to the band measurement, then your measurements are accurate.

BUST SIZE

Measure loosely around the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape even.

Subtract the band size from the bust size. The difference between the two measurements is your cup size. (See chart.)

TEST FIT WITH YOUR ATHLETIC MOTION

Imitate the intended activity to check fit and support.

FIT TIPS

BAND:

Should lie parallel to the floor and not ride up. Band should be snug to prevent chafing.

If the band has hooks and eyes, it should be snug on the largest hook size so you can adjust as you break in your bra.

STRAPS:

Straps should lie comfortably on the shoulders - snug but not too tight. If you have to adjust the straps so tight to feel supported, your band is not doing its job - try a smaller band size.

If straps are slipping off your shoulders, try adjusting. If you're still having trouble, try a racerback style.

CUPS:

Cups should be smooth. If you are spilling out of the top and sides of your bra, your cup size is too small.

If the bra cup has wrinkling, your cup size is too large.

ANOTHER WAY TO LOOK AT SPORTS BRAS

COMPRESSION VS. ENCAPSULATION

Virtually every sports bra works in one of two ways: compression or encapsulation.

Compression bras do not have conventional cups. Instead, they have super-sleek stretch fabric, which hugs your bust close to your chest in order to minimize bounce.

The typical compression bra is a pullover: You can either slip it over your head or step inside and pull it up. There's no hardware to chafe or dig.

Encapsulation styles look more like regular bras. They have separate molded cups, which support your bust from beneath. They're designed to contour your curves, for a naturally shapely look.

Ideally your wardrobe should include both types of sports bras. For medium-impact workouts, you'll want at least one compression style. And, for high to maximum activity, you'll want several encapsulation bras.

MOISTURE CONTROL

Whether you do yoga or aerobics, you can get uncomfortably sweaty. So, look for sports bras that wick away sweat and help control moisture buildup. Also look for added cooling features such as mesh ventilation.